Space Foundation and The Petit Family Foundation Bring Space in the Community Back to Connecticut
Space Foundation and The Petit Family Foundation Bring Space in the Community Back to Connecticut
STEM-Focused Family Event at Western Connecticut State University
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. and HARTFORD, Conn. – Jan. 22, 2026 – Space Foundation and The Petit Family Foundation are partnering once again for Space in the Community (SITC), bringing a week of space exploration and STEM experiences to Danbury Public Schools in Danbury, Connecticut from Feb. 9–13, 2026.
“Our partnership with The Petit Family Foundation provides students with opportunities to experience space exploration beyond the textbook. By equipping educators with engaging classroom resources, we help spark curiosity, inspire interest in STEM, and encourage students to envision future careers in science and technology. Meeting an astronaut makes this learning experience especially impactful,” said Heidi Vasiloff, Senior Director, Space Foundation Discovery Center.
Through Space in the Community programming, Space Foundation’s Space Workforce Team will visit elementary, middle, and high schools across the district, providing teachers with space-focused lesson plans that integrate easily into the classroom. Students will engage in hands-on STEM activities, explore NASA’s Artemis mission, and meet retired Navy Capt. Winston Scott, a former NASA astronaut who flew two Space Shuttle missions, logged more than 24 days in space, and conducted three spacewalks totaling over 19 hours.
In addition, a peer mentor event will be held Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 7:45–10:15 a.m. at Danbury High School. High school students will connect with local STEM industry professionals and learn about careers and opportunities in the growing space industry. The event will also include a presentation by astronaut Scott, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Later that day, a community night will take place from 6–8 p.m. at Western Connecticut State University’s Westside Campus, Campus Center Ballroom, 43 Lake Ave. Ext., Danbury, CT 06811. The event will bring students, families, and community members together for a variety of hands-on STEM activities, along with an astronaut presentation and meet-and-greet opportunity.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this incredible opportunity to our students, staff, families, and community members,” said Dr. Kara Casimiro, Superintendent of Danbury Public Schools. “Experiences like this inspire curiosity, broaden horizons, and reinforce our commitment to providing meaningful, future-focused learning opportunities for all students.”
Space Foundation’s partnership with the Petit Family Foundation, launched in 2018, made Space in the Community possible in Connecticut. Together, this collaboration delivers hands-on STEM experiences and practical resources that support teachers, engage students and inspire families statewide.
Dr. William A. Petit Jr., president of the Petit Family Foundation, said, “The Petit Family Foundation is proud to once again partner with Space Foundation to bring world-class educational programs to students across Connecticut. By pairing Space Foundation’s renowned expertise with hands-on learning experiences, this collaboration is designed to encourage curiosity, build confidence, and help students envision themselves in future careers in space, science, and technology. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators while strengthening the pipeline of young talent prepared to pursue STEM education and careers critical to our states’ and nation’s future.”
Community Night Event Highlights
- Meet Astronauts: Connect with Winston Scott, a former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy captain.
- STEM Activities: Enjoy hands-on learning experiences such as straw rockets, become an Artemis Astronaut, coloring activity books and pages, impact crater experiments, and a design-and-build challenge focused on the Orion spacecraft.
- Family fun for all ages: Enjoy hands-on, educational activities designed to inspire curiosity and a passion for STEM.
- Interactive learning: Discover cutting-edge space science and technology through exhibits, demonstrations and labs.
For more information on the Space in the Community program and to get involved, visit discoverspace.org/space-in-the-community.
About Space Foundation
Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to advance the global space community. Space Foundation uniquely educates, collaborates and informs the entire space workforce, from early education through post-secondary (college, non-college, vocational), to the start of their careers as new professionals, and ultimately as leaders at the highest levels of government and commercial industry. As a charitable organization, Space Foundation receives support from corporate members, sponsors, individual giving, and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About Danbury Public Schools Danbury Public Schools
Danbury Public Schools Danbury Public Schools serves approximately 12,000 students across 20 schools, including elementary, middle, high, and alternative learning programs. The district is committed to educational excellence, equity, and innovation, with a strong focus on preparing all students for college, careers, and civic life. Through rigorous academics, inclusive practices, and partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations, Danbury Public Schools empowers students to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.
As part of this commitment, Danbury High School has implemented an academy model designed to personalize learning and align student interests with postsecondary and workforce opportunities. Through this model, students engage in career-focused pathways that integrate academic coursework with real-world applications, experiential learning, and industry exposure.
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Media Contacts:
Mayo Blumberg
Communications Specialist
Space Foundation
(620) 870-2201
mblumberg@spacefoundation.org
Laura Mead
Elementary STEM Supervisor
Danbury Public Schools
203-240-1596
meadla@danbury.k12.ct.us